In a historic move, Russia recognises Taliban rule in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so. On Thursday, Moscow officially accepted the credentials of a new Afghan ambassador. This act signals the Kremlin’s growing interest in friendly ties with the Taliban authorities.
The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a clear statement. It said the formal recognition would boost cooperation in different fields. They believe this decision opens a path to deeper economic and political engagement between both nations.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, praised the step. In a video shared on X, he called Russia’s decision “brave” and an example for others. “Now that recognition has begun, Russia leads the way,” he added.
This recognition of the Taliban comes nearly four years after U.S. troops exited Afghanistan. Since then, the Taliban has held power. Washington, however, still refuses to accept them. Instead, the U.S. imposed sanctions on top Taliban leaders. Billions in Afghanistan’s central bank assets remain frozen. These actions have left the country’s financial system isolated.
Despite the West’s stance, Russia recognises the Taliban as a key player in the region. Moscow labeled the American withdrawal a “failure” and has since focused on strengthening ties with Kabul.
Russia’s shift toward the Taliban includes both political and economic steps. Taliban officials attended Russia’s top economic forum in Saint Petersburg in 2022 and 2024. In October last year, the Taliban’s foreign minister met with Sergey Lavrov in Moscow. In July 2024, President Putin called the Taliban “allies in the fight against terrorism.” He pointed to their common enemy – ISIS-K, which has attacked both Russian and Afghan cities.
In April, Russia’s Supreme Court removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations. That same month, Lavrov described the group as the new reality in Kabul. He urged a “pragmatic” approach over an ideological one.
This recognition reflects Russia’s long strategic shift. In the 1980s, the Taliban’s predecessors – the U.S.-backed Mujahideen – fought against the Soviet army. That war ended in Moscow’s defeat and contributed to the fall of the USSR. In 2003, Russia blacklisted the Taliban as terrorists, citing links to rebels in the North Caucasus.
Now, the equation has changed. Russia is no longer a rival but a potential partner. By recognising the Taliban, Moscow aims to gain influence in the region. It was the first to set up a business office in Kabul after the Taliban took power. Russia also plans to use Afghanistan as a key route for its gas exports to Southeast Asia.
However, no major world body has yet accepted the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan. The United Nations still refers to them as the “Taliban de facto authorities.”
Yet, Russia’s recognition of the Taliban might set a new diplomatic tone. It challenges the West’s position and opens a door for other countries to reconsider their stance. For Moscow, it is a bold step to expand its reach and reshape global politics.